off the top of one's head

== English == === Alternative forms === off the top of one's dome, off the dome === Pronunciation === === Prepositional phrase === off the top of one's head (idiomatic) In an extemporaneous manner; without careful thought, preparation, or investigation. Synonyms: offhandedly, on the spot Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see off,‎ top,‎ head. ==== Usage notes ==== Usually used to characterize the manner of one's thinking or speaking. Often indicates a random piece of information put forth by a knowledgeable expert in the topic spoken within. ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== ad-lib extemporize fly by the seat of one's pants improvise make it up as one goes along off the cuff on the fly pull out of one's ass spur of the moment wing it === Further reading === “off the top of one’s head”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022. “off the top of your head”, in Cambridge English Dictionary, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire: Cambridge University Press, 1999–present. “off the top of your head” in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, Longman. “off the top of one's head”, in Collins English Dictionary.